Manufacturing Index Report Offers a Dim Outlook
On Monday, the Institute for Supply Management reported that the manufacturing index dropped to 49.7. May’s index came in at 53.5, naming June’s 49.7 reading the lowest since July of 2009.
Skills Testing
Time to Tackle the Skilled Worker Shortage
On Thursday the United States Commerce Department reported there was little to no change in their final estimate for growth during the January to March quarter.
Math is a Must in Today’s Industrial Skills Training
Industrial skills training is critical to the development of today’s manufacturing workforce.
How Others Have Tackled the Need for Industrial Training
Over and over again we stress the importance of manufacturing training, as it is critical to the development of industrial skill sets within any workforce. Some manufacturers choose to search for skilled laborers while others opt to implement industrial training programs to further the skills of their current employees.
Surveys Point to Industrial Training as a Solution
The recent 2012 Executive Employer Survey was released by Littler Mendelson, P.C. and interviewed an array of corporate executives who are generally in charge of hiring and management of human capital. The survey found that most respondents, approximately 71 percent, plan to continue hiring in the coming year, while only 8 percent plan to lay off full time employees. Respondents to the survey also noted that some leading challenges they face include...
Industrial Skills Training on a Budget
The recent spike in job openings and the dip in unemployment rates offers new hope for the once struggling manufacturing industry. The next issue to tackle is that of baby boomer retirement. With budgets still tight and baby boomers nearing retirement with each passing day, manufacturers must invest in industrial training to preserve the knowledge that will be lost when this experienced generation leaves the workforce. So what are some industrial skills...
While Unemployment Falls Industrial Training Should Increase
The Labor Department reported earlier this month that during the month of April the unemployment rates in two thirds of U.S. states fell, suggesting continued economic growth as this year progresses. In most states the unemployment rate dropped below the national average of 8.1percent, recorded during the previous month. In April of 2012 the unemployment rates in 22 of the U.S. states came in below 7 percent, compared to just 13 states...
The Importance of Industrial Maintenance Training
Time and time again we have stressed the importance of maintenance training. Industrial maintenance training is so critical to any given manufacturers success because it ensures all of your factory equipment, new and old, is functioning both efficiently and effectively for maximum production output. Industrial maintenance training, though goes way beyond simply educating your workforce on the ins and outs of your plant’s machinery. Proper maintenance training teaches trainees how to recognize...
Manufacturers Jumping on the Industrial Training Bandwagon
It should come as no surprise that many manufacturers both large and small are facing a severe shortage when it comes to finding a skilled production workforce. Because the skilled labor gap continues to widen, manufacturers are stepping up, finding training partners and implementing industrial training on their own in order to remain competitive and to meet their plant’s needs. Darlene Miller, CEO of Permac Industries, said “Finding skilled and trained workers...
How Manufacturing Training Can April’s U.S. Industrial Production Gains Continue
April marked a much needed gain in U.S. factory output, greatly due to the rise in auto production. As a result of the more demanding market, many plants have increased hiring in an effort to help the economy to continue growing.
Manufacturing Activity Index Reaches 10 Month High
During the month of April, U.S. manufacturing rose at the fastest pace it has seen over the last 10 months. Hiring, production and the amount of new orders all increased in the past month. The boost in factories indicates a stronger economy than the recently released data had hinted at. The growth brings a sign of hope following last week’s report of slowed hiring in the early days of April. A trade...
The Importance of Industrial Skills Training
The World Economic Forum and Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Ltd. recently released a report which highlighted the two critical elements that could potentially threaten economic growth for manufacturers in the coming years. Those two factors include the lack of skilled manufacturers in today’s job market and the rising pressure for manufacturers to be innovative. The report states, approximately 10 million manufacturing jobs worldwide have gone unfilled simply because the skills gap continues to...
5 Industrial Training Myths
Industrial training is perhaps one of the most important steps in workforce development. However, throughout the years many myths have come about as a result of both quality and poor manufacturing training. Some of these myths are listed below: 1. When the going gets tough, cut training. This is statement is not only false but it’s absurd. It’s understandable that deciding on what budgets to cut is not a simple task to...
The Importance of Making Manufacturing Training the Norm
When it comes to cost-cutting plans in many manufacturing plants, often the first of the budgets to be eliminated is that for workforce development. However, this is one of the most common errors made in manufacturing management when it comes to industrial skills training. Another common mistake is that managers do not take the time to step back and properly analyze the current skill level of their staff and the objectives they...